Forklift Controls
Among the most common pieces of equipment you will see in any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around machines consist of a vehicle along with two pronged forks at the front that can haul and lift bulky objects.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and can lift objects into hard to reach, up high places. Lift trucks are still extremely dangerous machines and should be utilized in a safe manner all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners guidebook after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The guidebook would feature the specific location of each control and the functions it has. Nearly all lift trucks have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, you push the lever forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
The forklift's second lever is utilized to tilt the forks allowing for better distribution of weight across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep things stable and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Moreover, it helps things slide off in a more balanced method when unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, when pushing the lever forward would tilt the forks forward. Some types of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever that controls the fork width. Each and every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced drivers must take advantage of experienced coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be certain to do this when the forklift is off and not operational. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions about how anything works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that to be able to make the machinery go, you utilize the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of forklifts. There are several types of hydrostatic forklifts which are equipped with battery powered engines that turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.